With how popularized gaming is today, there’s a game specializing in everything. Driving and parkouring may be some of the most popular real-world activities converted into the gaming medium, but that isn’t all. Even something like fishing can be done through games, eliminating factors like cost and traveling time.
The PlayStation 5 also has some excellent fishing games. From realism to enjoyment, all the best fishing games on PS5 prioritize something that makes them stand out, making them must-plays for fishing and gaming enthusiasts alike. While multiple games have fishing minigames, we want to highlight games where fishing takes center stage.
1. Bassmaster Fishing 2022
We can’t talk about the best fishing games on the PS5 without mentioning Bassmaster Fishing 2022, the game officially licensed by B.A.S.S. The game takes the sport of fishing and translates it into a video game with more realism than most titles. Players are expected to do everything they’d do when fishing in real life while playing Bassmaster Fishing 2022. This includes picking the right rod, ensuring your lure isn’t snagged, and basing your strength when reeling in the fish based on size.
Not to mention, the game is graphically beautiful. It also has a very competitive approach to fishing, where players must catch the right amount of fish within a specified time while competing against other players, including your friends. If you’re looking for a realistic fishing experience without leaving the comfort of your home, Bassmaster Fishing 2022 may be the game for you.
2. Moonglow Bay
Being completely the opposite of Bassmaster Fishing 2022, Moonglow Bay is a cute and condensed life simulator. Drop into a town on the verge of ruin, just days after your partner was in a sailing accident and declared deceased. Pick yourself up and use fishing, cooking, and selling to revitalize the town you call home.
If relaxation had a game, it would probably be Moonglow Bay. From choosing your character and partner’s appearances, to selecting your pronouns, the game’s fishing may not be as complex as some other entries on the list, but it’s enough to be enjoyable. Catch a wide variety of fish, make multiple fish-related dishes, complete quests that task you with exploring the large map, and conquer surprisingly immersive boss fights that come later in the game.
3. Call of the Wild: The Angler
If exploration is what you’re looking for, then Call of the Wild: The Angler should be the experience for you. Being a first-person fishing simulator, the game has various habitats teeming with fish to catch and dangerous things to watch out for. Choosing the right equipment based on the type of fish you want to catch and the habitat you’re fishing in is crucial for success.
Fortunately, while the fishing gameplay isn’t too technical, it still rewards patience and knowledge. Mastering different techniques, baits, and rigs while exploring the nature-filled land of Call of the Wild is what makes the game so enjoyable.
4. Whisker Waters
Whisker Waters has two qualities that set it apart from the other titles on this list. The first is that you play as a cat, while the second is that the game is also a miniature RPG. Customize your cat character and go out into the wild, where you collect resources and catch unique fish, all the while fighting evil creatures.
True to its RPG roots, Whisker Waters features various types of equipment players can collect and equip. The game has multiple quests to complete, and while there isn’t much depth on the surface, you’ll discover more as you play. Features like trading with merchants and fishing wherever you find a body of water make Whisker Waters such a joy.
5. Dredge
We covered the cute ones, and we detailed the realistic ones. Dredge is neither of these, as the game combines the wondrous sport of fishing with some good old-fashioned Lovecraftian horror. You play as a fisherman whose ship breaks down on an island with mysterious residents who are clearly hiding a lot in their closets. The work of a fisherman never stops, as you get to upgrading your gear and preparing your boat to catch fish and make money.
Dredge’s gameplay is fairly straightforward, as you drive around the water while looking for anything out of place. You approach bubbles and start fishing to initiate a simple minigame to determine whether you pull anything. However, Dredge’s unique feature is its mystery that keeps players coming back for more. Who knows, you may even find yourself buying the game’s DLC to increase the variety of fish you can catch.